An inter-collegiate league table revealing the environmental status of Cambridge colleges was unveiled on Tuesday by CUECS, the Cambridge University Environmental Consulting Society. The fourth report of its kind, it is part of a wider project supporting environmental improvement across the University. It ranks each college based on their contribution to eight specified areas: insulation, lighting, waste, housekeeping, kitchens and college bars, computers, printers and photocopiers, gardens, and college commitment.

This year, 22 colleges responded to the survey and Churchill was ranked first for the second year in a row, with a score of 71.3 per cent. Clare and Queens’ came in the bottom two positions, with 30.5 per cent and 41.8 per cent respectively. Emphasis was placed on their failure to implement simple initiatives such as the use of low-energy light bulbs.

As a result of the survey participants were given a list suggesting ways in which colleges could lessen the damage which they are causing to the environment. These ranged from improving the accessibility of recycling containers to making college events more eco-friendly. It was also advised that the use of motion sensors for lights and “power down” buttons for computer equipment would both reduce bills and effectively lessen the colleges’ carbon footprint.

Communication between staff and students was highlighted as a key area in which all colleges should be able to extend their “green” attitudes. Speaking at the meeting, CUSU Green Officer Aneaka Kellay explained that “strong committees are the most positive thing that can be done for the future”. She added that “individuals can help themselves through recycling, switching off lights and so forth. But the most difference is made by strong movements”.

Clare Black, the report’s team leader, spoke of a “real change in attitudes among students and staff to more long-term commitments”, particularly in small-scale initiatives such as displaying “power down” and “switch off” stickers. University Environmental Officer Martin Whiteland praised the report for increasing awareness of college environmental issues.

The full report will soon be available at www.societies.cam.ac.uk/cuecs.

Emily Blakeley